Is it worth it
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Topic: Is it worth it
Posted By: Just1flyguy
Subject: Is it worth it
Date Posted: October/08/2015 at 10:58pm
| After being on this site for a week and doing my own research just to find out the lodge I petitioned to, accepted, and raised within these last few months is not recognized by either grand lodge in Florida is heartbreaking! I had my heart set on this and if it's not legit what's the point?! I don't even know if I want to be a mason anymore ...I've supposedly been a mason for 3 weeks now and its all been a bunch of bs. I'm disappointed in myself more for not doing my own research. Thanks to the brethren (well real masons) on this forum for inquiring about my lodge and making me do some of my own research...I don't want anything by default or the bS way...how do I delete my account I'm not trying to get information I don't even think I want to be apart of it ...and to think I waited and kept asking 10 years for this |
Replies:
Posted By: Adept?
Date Posted: October/08/2015 at 11:43pm
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I would like to discourage you from giving up and walking away from something that you seem to be passionate about. I know from experience the frustration of being part of an unrecognized lodge and finding out the hard way. I joined a legitimate PHA lodge in Jax. FL. while i was in the Navy. We met at the Grand Lodge there, and it all seemed up and up. (was still some pretty serious hazing when i went through, not sure about now.) The dues were WAY higher too... other than that... pretty much the same, and a great group of Brothers for the most part. Every bushel has a bad apple... and i'll leave it at that. Anyway... When i got out of the Navy and returned home to Maine and tried to demit to, and join my local hometown lodge; they regretted to inform me that Florida's Grand lodge and Florida's PHA grand lodge did not have fraternal relations and recognition, and not only that... my lodge and grand lodge were not, and still are not recognized by the UGLofE either. The long and the short of it is.. I had to take the 3 principle degrees over again here in Maine to remain an active Freemason. It was either that, or continue paying $150 a year to be a member of a lodge 1400 miles away, that afforded me no Masonic recognition in my area whatsoever. I was disappointed.... angry... upset... felt betrayed... much like you, i'm sure. I even left Freemasonry for a while. In the end, it was something that was in my heart, and i had to fix the issue. I paid my fees, (which are significantly lower in legit lodges) and took the degrees again. It was actually quite easy since i'd already been through it all before. There is no shame in what has happened to you... trust me, you are not the first. But if you leave the false lodge and don't join a legit one... they win. If you chock it up to experience and correct the issue... then YOU win, and we as a Fraternity, and a Brotherhood collectively win. There is at least one Brother on this forum that is in your area, and I'm sure would be more than happy to assist you in getting into a legitimate lodge where a Brother of your interest and eagerness to learn will be happily welcomed with open arms. So... In closing, I will pose the same question to you that you posted in the title of this thread... is it worth it.. TO YOU? Think about it... ------------- "It is humanity that creates god, and men think that god has made them in his image, because they make him in theirs." |
Posted By: Just1flyguy
Date Posted: October/09/2015 at 4:54am
| So will I have to go through the process again as of the petition, investigation, and the ea,fc,mm initiation again.. Main concern as of right now because I'm seriously just about to wash my hands of the situation and just count it as a loss and move on |
Posted By: Adept?
Date Posted: October/09/2015 at 5:15am
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If you go to a legit lodge, and explain your situation, they will most likely work with you. You will have to do the paperwork again yes, and also most likely the degree ceremony. However, they may just have you take the OB's for each degree again. (unlikely though) It will depend on their by-laws and state of Florida constitution/Masonic code. If you are proficient in your degree and memory work, and can prove so, the above will be more of a formality than anything else. I believe it is sometimes referred to as a "healing" Basically they have to make you a Freemason again in due form. Can a Brother from Florida weigh in on this issue please...? ------------- "It is humanity that creates god, and men think that god has made them in his image, because they make him in theirs." |
Posted By: Hyksos
Date Posted: October/09/2015 at 5:56am
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If you were never part of a regular and recognized lodge then you were never really a mason. In Florida, if you want to join the Grand Lodge of Florida, you will be required to renounce all ties to the old (fake) grand lodge and go through the 3 degrees. I don't know how PHA does it. Grand lodge of Florida and PHA presently do not recognize one another. It's something that you should be happy about. Odds are the degrees you went thorough were not the same ones that you would go through in a regular and recognized lodge. I would recommend you explore your options in Florida and decide if you want to be a member of Grand Lodge of Florida or PHA. If you want GLoF, you can use our grand lodge website and search for a lodge near you. http://grandlodgefl.com ------------- Gainesville Lodge #41 |
Posted By: coach
Date Posted: October/09/2015 at 7:23am
I recommend you cool off and once you do, count your blessings that you did your research when you did and not 30 years after the fact. BTW - KUDOS for taking the time to investigate; some never do until many many years later. Sure, it was only a little too late for you that you found out BUT... not so long after you got dragged in so much further. Shake it off Bro., you're a lot better off than many others in similar situations. Once you cool off, please investigate both of the well established FL GLs, PHA and Mainstream, to see which one you would feel most comfortable being a member of. COVEOT: PHA is not currently Recognized by the Mainstream GL, but they are considered regular by the UGLE and all other PHA GLs. Once the Mainstream GL recognized them, they will be further connected in the WWW of Freemasonic Jurisdictions. Currently they are only Recognized by other PHA jurisdictions, although you can attend Lodges elsewhere that recognize PHA overall. You have OPTIONS!!!!! GOOD LUCK! ------------- Building Builders - Masonic Education! http://www.coach.net/BuildingBuilders.htm" rel="nofollow - Books I Wrote | http://www.facebook.com/johns.nagy" rel="nofollow - My FB Wall |
Just1flyguy wrote:Posted By: Just1flyguy
Date Posted: October/09/2015 at 7:50am
| Thank you, I have been thinking about it a lot. I don't know if I should ask the guys why they are not apart of the mwugl or Gl or just leave it be and try to petition another lodge. I have studied my ass off (excuse the language) and still continue to study so it just boogles my mind as to why wouldn't I be informed that other "real brethren" would consider me not... Its crazy because the guy I asked is and has been a life long friend to me and my family. Also it makes me question his creditability as he is also a potentate in KT ...but what made rethink everything on the GL of fl website if click on a lodge it gives u a list of the WM SW JW SEC CHAP SD JD SS AND TY WITH NAMES AND HOW LONG THEY'VE BEEN THERE!I'm just more confused than anything right now. Very very confused my heart is in the right place but apparently I'm still in the dark or have been exposed to the light but unjust and unlawfully |
Posted By: coach
Date Posted: October/09/2015 at 8:14am
Confusion is good and in your case it is well earned. That being said, please do not focus your anger upon those who do not deserve it. Freemasonry is a worldwide fellowship that is worth being part of. There are those who make effort to direct this fellowship potential toward organizations unrecognized by the majority. It truly matters not what their intention may be in their efforts. What matters most? If they were not honest with you on this one simple fact, can you truly trust them into the future with bigger things? ------------- Building Builders - Masonic Education! http://www.coach.net/BuildingBuilders.htm" rel="nofollow - Books I Wrote | http://www.facebook.com/johns.nagy" rel="nofollow - My FB Wall |
Posted By: scout
Date Posted: October/09/2015 at 9:03am
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Edit: I noticed that my post was redundant. |
Posted By: log cabin Bill
Date Posted: October/09/2015 at 11:05am
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I whole heartedly agree with Coach's advice and most sincerely hope you will follow his suggestions. I wish you all the best! ------------- North Hills Lodge, #716,PM Allegheny RAM,#217,PHP Allegheny Council,#38,PTIM Allegheny Commandery #35 Knight Masons,Gateway To The West Council #5 AASR,Valley of Pgh. Syria Shrine Islam Grotto |
Posted By: Just1flyguy
Date Posted: October/09/2015 at 12:07pm
| Not angry at all! Disappointed very, confused very, feeling like I wasted my time money and energy absolutely but I am not angry |
Posted By: rchadwic
Date Posted: October/09/2015 at 12:53pm
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You're getting some good advice, flyguy. Coach and Hyskos are also from FL, and Coach has written books on Masonry. We have a couple of good PHA Brothers that are regulars, Caution1010 and Noble Shabba; I hope they'll chime in. I just sent you a PM with some more info. I am sure that all around here will help whereever possible. Good luck. BTW.... What's with the flyguy? You have a history with the USAF?? Bob C Palm Bay 397 Palm Bay, FL ------------- Bob Chadwick Palm Bay #397 Palm Bay, Fla |
Posted By: Just1flyguy
Date Posted: October/09/2015 at 1:10pm
| Lol no just always been my gamertag on video games so it follows me everywhere I go lol but thanks once again at least I won't be out in public wearing light like a fool |
Posted By: rchadwic
Date Posted: October/09/2015 at 5:24pm
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Please keep us all posted, mate. You may not be all the way there yet, but you have friends here. Good Luck. Bob C ------------- Bob Chadwick Palm Bay #397 Palm Bay, Fla |
Posted By: Just1flyguy
Date Posted: October/09/2015 at 6:36pm
| Will do thank you all once again |
Posted By: coach
Date Posted: October/09/2015 at 6:48pm
Good, you just paid for an educational lesson. I can say firmly that your return on this investment shall depend upon what you do with it. EXAMPLE: Brother Charles Harper wrote about his experience (two books worth and a play!) in an unrecognized lodge and is now on a crusade to educate men to prevent the same. You are in good company and you now have a rich experience that didn't take to much time and expense from you. It could have been FAR WORSE! ------------- Building Builders - Masonic Education! http://www.coach.net/BuildingBuilders.htm" rel="nofollow - Books I Wrote | http://www.facebook.com/johns.nagy" rel="nofollow - My FB Wall |
Posted By: Cookslc
Date Posted: October/09/2015 at 10:04pm
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You know, I will tell you that even in regular freemasonry there are times you wanna chuck it all in. Sometimes, it may be a particular Masonic appendant body. It takes courage to admit you've been duped. I'm impressed. ------------- G A Cook F&AM of Utah AF&AM of Oklahoma UGLE |
Posted By: Warrior1256
Date Posted: October/10/2015 at 1:13pm
|
The best of luck to you sir. I wish you all of the best whatever you decide.
------------- St. Matthews Lodge 906 Suburban Lodge 740 Shively-Lewis-Parkland 951 AASR, Orient of Kentucky, Valley of Louisville King Solomon Chapter 5 Louisville Council 4 North Central York Rite College 116 |
Posted By: Just1flyguy
Date Posted: October/10/2015 at 2:06pm
| Once again I want to Thank each and every one of you for your words! I am determined to represent the light in the right way..I will not let this discourage me THANK YOU SO MUCH |
Posted By: Adept?
Date Posted: October/10/2015 at 3:41pm
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You're very welcome! ------------- "It is humanity that creates god, and men think that god has made them in his image, because they make him in theirs." |
Posted By: windrider
Date Posted: October/14/2015 at 1:45pm
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I'm still confused. Did Flyguy join a Regular PHA Lodge and because of the rules of recognition was not allowed to join a mainstream lodge in another jurisdiction or did he join a clandestine lodge? It isn't a good situation either way, but if he is a PHA Mason, couldn't he affiliate with a local PHA lodge, then demit from the original lodge, affiliate with the mainstream lodge and demit from the new PHA lodge thereby avoiding having to take the degrees again? ------------- Master, Webmaster, Lodge Ambassador Ancient York Lodge AF&AM Lowell, MA God never sends us anything we can't handle. Sometimes I wish He didn't trust me so much. - Mother Teresa |
Posted By: rchadwic
Date Posted: October/14/2015 at 1:52pm
|
THe lodge he joined is not, apparently, affiliated with either GL of Fla (mainstream) or the PHA Grand Lodge that holds jurisdiction in FL. It appears that this lodge is clandestine. I believe he is checking the charter of this lodge for more details. Sadly, PHA is not recognised by GL of Fla. He has been given points of contact for PHA and Mainstream GL's. WE'll see what happens. Bob C Palm Bay 397 Palm Bay, FL ------------- Bob Chadwick Palm Bay #397 Palm Bay, Fla |